The most magical part of our wedding was the fact that it was also a weekend getaway for our guests. We were able to spend quality time with each one of our guests in a beautiful lodge. We were also able to live-stream our ceremony for our guests who could not make it. They also sent us video messages which were played for us during the speeches. My husband's speech was my absolute favourite and brought me to tears! We also had a remembrance section with photos of all our loved ones who were joining us from heaven.
After the guests left the lodge on Sunday, my husband and I stayed at the lodge another 2 days just to wind down. We ended up taking a day trip to Hazyview, Mpumalanga, where we found the most gorgeous spa - Summerfields Rose Retreat & Spa. We did the Duke Gin & Duchess Spa Package which was heavenly! The spa/lodge is situated along a river bed where you are surrounded by nature and the sound of the river rushing over the rocks. We are still planning a proper honeymoon getaway for December 2021, either to Mauritius or Bali, depending on the travel restrictions.
I wanted to stay true to my roots of being Portuguese so I chose a full lace dress, wore minimal make-up with my favourite look - a cat eye and red lip. My dress was hired from Whimsical Bridal Hire. I selected the Nesta dress by Enzoani. I switched the look up by adding a full skirt for the ceremony and I had long flowy detachable lace sleeves made as well for our couple shoot and dances. They also made a garter for me that matched the lace on my dress as a keepsake. I wore nude coloured block heels which I got from YDE. My jewellery (earrings and bracelet) was custom designed and made by Kathleen Barry Bespoke Occasion Accessories for me. My hair colour was done by the lovely Jade Bock at Xanadu Hair Studio. Hairstyling and make-up were done by the team at La Vie Est Belle Creative Wedding Co. I ordered my lingerie and a white sheer kimono and white bikini to get ready in from Shein which was surprisingly beautiful! Hoping to start a trend of kimonos and bikinis rather than pjs and robes :D I also bought a faux leather jacket from Guess which I had hand-painted with my new name and a floral design by the talented Lyn at Comb Limited.
In 2005, a new bridal collection emerged and quickly rose to compete with top brands by merging traditional and modern European styles into exquisitely hand crafted gowns.
One-of-a-kind, bridal accessories from conception to creation
We got married at a beautiful lodge in Burgersfort, Limpopo - Lapeng Guest Lodge. Enough could not be said about the friendly and accommodating staff and calming atmosphere that the bush provided. The guests stayed from Friday to Sunday at the lodge with us. It was able to accommodate 60 guests. Other guests had to find alternate accommodation at nearby lodges - Buffelsvley Guest Farm and iThaba Falls.
Here at Lapeng you are assured to have the wedding of your dreams, complete with a breathtaking reception, mouthwatering food, and exceptional service.
Buffelsvley Guest Farm is a citrus farm situated between Lydenburg & Burgersfort in the beautiful Watervalsrivier Valley.
My best friend and I followed various HIIT training programmes through the Sweat app designed by Kayla Itsines 8 weeks prior to the wedding to make sure we were looking fit! I also went for facial peels with Fiona at Skin Improvements in Fourways, JHB. All waxing was done at WAXIT Douglasdale and Glow Couture Fourways made sure my tan was gorgeous. My nails were done by Courtney from Nail Envy and my lashes were done by Sara at SP Sport & Beauty.
I wanted a very festive looking wedding. In Portuguese culture, Fiestas are very bright and colourful and full of life and this is the look I went for. From brightly coloured flowers with lots of different textures mixed with the blue and white Mediterranean pattern to some boho elements such as macrame, pampas grass, grass placemats and various jewel-toned glasses, vases and votives, our wedding look was an eclectic mix of colours, textures, and vibes. Eastco Party Hire provided all our vases, placemats, napkins, glasses, and frames. We also hired lawn games for our guests to play during the cocktail hour from Lawn Games
I wanted a very festive looking wedding. In Portuguese culture, Fiestas are very bright and colourful and full lif life and this is the look I went for. From brightly coloured flowers with lots of different textures mixed with the blue and white Mediterranean pattern to some boho elements such as macrame, pampas grass, grass palcemats and various jewel-toned glasses, vases and votives, our wedding look was an eclectic mix of colours, textures, and vibes. Eastco Party Hire provided all our vases, placemats, napkins, glasses, and frames. The flowers were put together by La Vie Est Belle Creative Wedding Co. The venue also had hanging steel frames with Edison bulbs made for us to hang over the guest tables and the greenery was done by Maliflora. We also hired lawn games for our guests to play during the cocktail hour from Lawn Games. All furniture and lighting was included in our venue hire.
We decided that the bridal party could wear whatever they liked but the Groom's suit, shirt, and shoes were from Bogart man. He chose an emerald green suit with brown shoes, belt and watch strap, and a brown waist coat. He ordered his tie and bowties for the groomsmen from His Apparel in KZN. His watch was from Fossil.
As with the groomsmen, we allowed the ladies to wear whatever their hearts desired. Funny enough, they both chose a sage green colour. My sister got her dress from YDE and my best friend got her dress from Bridal Alchemy. Accessories were from Lovisa. I also had denim jackets of each of theirs hand-painted with a floral design and their initial to match my painted jacket. I also got them beautiful blue and white meditteranean printed kimonos to wear while we got ready.
Pastor Jacques Rossouw from Little Falls Christian Centre married us and conducted our pre-marital counselling sessions.
Natasha Tonkin from Gin & Tonkin was the absolute best photographer with her side-kick Angelique from Rabbit and the Hare Photography! They eased our nerves and made sure the whole day flowed smoothly! Our photobooth backdrop was made of crepe flower arrangements by my talented and dedicated aunt, Celeste.
I did not have a planner but I wish I did. I think it would have saved me a lot of time and money (and grey hairs!). However, Ansie and Werner (owners of Lapeng Guest Lodge) and their wonderful staff helped manage most of the events of the day!
My cool uncle drove me to the chapel in his BMW X5 :P
The talented chefs at Lapeng Guest Lodge prepared the canapes, mains, and desserts. The food was divine and all the guests agreed! We also included Portuguese chicken and prawn rissoles, and Portuguese custard tarts that were made by Eagles Landing Fruit Veg & Seafood. Our wedding cake and cake pops were made by the team at La Vie Est Belle Creative Wedding Co. and our doughnuts were from Spar at the All Saints Centre in Olivedale.
My talented sister, Keana at Revery Graphics designed my Save the Date, Invitation, Menu, Wedding Programme, Thank you tags, Welcome bag tags, Seating chart and sign boards. We had everything printed at Jetline.
Our venue had an in-house DJ with all sound and lighting. We really wanted a live band but our venue was too far out. We took dance lessons with Nicol at NB Dance Studio who made lessons so much fun and our dance was exquisite!
In 2005, a new bridal collection emerged and quickly rose to compete with top brands by merging traditional and modern European styles into exquisitely hand crafted gowns.
Here at Lapeng you are assured to have the wedding of your dreams, complete with a breathtaking reception, mouthwatering food, and exceptional service.
One-of-a-kind, bridal accessories from conception to creation
Buffelsvley Guest Farm is a citrus farm situated between Lydenburg & Burgersfort in the beautiful Watervalsrivier Valley.
